Discord alternatives: 4 fantastic comms platforms

Discord on desktop and mobile © discord.com

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful collaboration. While Discord has gained popularity as a go-to platform for team communication, there are several alternatives that offer unique features and benefits tailored to specific needs.

Here at Memberful, we understand the value of giving your online audience a place to hang out and chat. Discord is scalable, affordable – it’s free for most users – and offers a range of features, such as text, video chat, screen sharing, and file sharing. That’s why we offer a native integration with Discord, but we realize there are a number of other options, too.

So in this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top Discord alternatives, comparing their key attributes, highlighting their unique features and use cases. to help you make an informed decision for your team.

What is Discord?

Discord is a widely used communication platform designed for creating communities. It allows users to engage in real-time conversations through text, voice, and video chats. Initially created for gamers to coordinate during gameplay, Discord has evolved into a versatile platform used by various communities, including hobbyist groups, global businesses and educational institutions.

Discord offers features such as channels for organized discussions, voice channels for group calls, private messaging, and the ability to share multimedia content. It provides a user-friendly interface and supports integrations with other applications.

The Discord App Directory © discord.com

One of Discord's key strengths is its accessibility across different devices, including desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets, making it convenient for users to stay connected regardless of their preferred platform. Additionally, Discord offers both free and premium subscription options, with the latter providing additional features and benefits for subscribers.

Even then you may still be keen to look into Discord alternatives. Here are some common reasons for this:

• Privacy concerns: Discord's data collection policies have raised concerns among privacy-conscious users. Some alternatives offer better data encryption and more transparent privacy policies.
• Feature limitations: Discord may lack specific features that certain communities or users require. Alternatives may provide more robust customization options, enhanced moderation tools, or unique integrations.
• Server downtime and performance issues: Frequent downtimes or server performance issues can hinder communication. Alternatives with more stable infrastructures might be preferable for businesses or large communities.

Discord alternatives

Let’s dive in to some of the more famous Discord alternatives:

1. Slack

Originally designed for professional team communication, Slack has grown into a versatile tool for both businesses and communities. It's ideal for professional teams looking for a structured communication platform or communities that require extensive integration with other tools.

The Slack dashboard on desktop © slack.com

Here are some key features of Slack:

• Channels and threads: Organized communication through channels and threaded conversations.
• Integrations: Supports a wide range of third-party apps and services like Google Drive, Trello, and GitHub.
• Searchable history: Robust search functionality for finding messages, files, and more.
• File sharing: Easy sharing of files within channels or direct messages.

Slack pricing

Slack offers a free version with limitations then paid plans starting at $6.67 per user/month.

2. Microsoft Teams

A robust communication tool integrated with Microsoft Office 365, ideal for businesses and educational institutions. It's great for businesses and organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem and/or educational institutions needing robust collaboration tools.

Microsoft Teams on desktop and mobile © microsoft.com

Here are some key features for Microsoft Teams:

• Office 365 integration: Seamless connection with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive.
• Video conferencing: High-quality video meetings with recording capabilities.
• Collaboration tools: Real-time document editing and sharing.
• Security: Enterprise-grade security features.

Microsoft Teams pricing

Microsoft Teams has a freee version available with limited features then paid plans starting at $5 per user/month (Office 365 subscription required).

3. Telegram

Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app known for its speed, security, and simplicity, making it a popular choice for those seeking a lightweight alternative. It is aimed at privacy-conscious users and communities as well as groups looking for a fast, lightweight messaging app without complex features.

The Telegram dashboard on desktop © telegram.org

These are the key features of Telegram:

• End-to-end encryption: Secret chats offer high levels of security.
• Group chats: Supports groups with up to 200,000 members.
• Bots and API: Wide variety of bots and custom integrations through API.
• File sharing: Allows sending large files up to 2GB.

Telegram pricing

Telegram is completely free with no premium plans.

4. Zoom

Primarily known as a video conferencing tool, Zoom has expanded its capabilities to include chat and file sharing, making it a potential alternative for some users. It is great for teams or individuals prioritizing high-quality video conferencing plus eEducators and professionals hosting webinars or large meetings.

A Zoom chat on desktop © zoom.us

Key features of Zoom include:

• Video conferencing: High-quality video calls with large participant capacity.
• Webinars: Host large-scale webinars with interactive features.
• Breakout rooms: Split large meetings into smaller groups for focused discussions.
• Screen sharing: Share screens with participants for presentations or collaborations.

Zoom pricing

Zoom has a free version with limitations then paid plans starting at $14.99 per month/host.

Comparative Analysis

• Slack vs Discord: Slack excels in professional environments, offering superior integrations and threads, while Discord is better for gaming and casual communities.
• Microsoft Teams vs Discord: Teams is more robust for businesses with extensive Office 365 integration, while Discord is simpler and more community-focused.
• Telegram vs Discord: Telegram offers better privacy and group chat capabilities but lacks advanced community management tools.
• Zoom vs Discord: Zoom's strength lies in video conferencing, whereas Discord offers a more rounded communication experience with text, voice, and video.

FAQs for Discord alternatives

Are these Discord alternatives free to use?

Yes, most of the mentioned alternatives offer free versions with limited features. However, they also provide premium plans with additional functionalities for businesses and power users.

Is my data secure on these platforms?

Security is a top priority for these alternatives. Signal, for instance, is renowned for its end-to-end encryption, ensuring your messages remain private.

Do these platforms support file sharing?

Yes, all the mentioned alternatives support file sharing, making it easy to exchange documents, images, and videos within your conversations.

Are there mobile apps available for these platforms?

Yes, each of these alternatives offers mobile apps for both Android and iOS, allowing you to stay connected on the go.

Can I integrate these platforms with other apps?

Absolutely! Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Element offer extensive integrations with popular tools like Google Drive, Trello, and more.

Conclusion: Discord alternatives

Exploring these alternatives to Discord unveils a plethora of options catering to various needs and preferences. Whether you're a gamer looking for low-latency communication, a business seeking streamlined collaboration, or a privacy-conscious user valuing data security, there's a platform for you.

From the robust features of Slack to the privacy-centric approach of Signal, each alternative offers a unique set of benefits. By considering your requirements and preferences, you can find the perfect Discord alternative that enhances your communication experience.